Pep Guardiola ‘would like to know’ when Kevin De Bruyne will return from injury
- Kevin De Bruyne has not played for Manchester City since mid-September due to a significant injury.
- Pep Guardiola expressed concern over De Bruyne's recovery, indicating that the injury is more serious than initially believed.
- The team's current injury crisis highlights the challenge City faces in maintaining competitiveness without key players.
Manchester City is currently grappling with a critical injury situation as midfielder Kevin De Bruyne remains unavailable. The Belgian international has not seen action since he was forced off at half-time during a Champions League clash with Inter Milan in mid-September. Initially thought to be a minor issue, the injury has been found to be more severe, leading to ongoing concerns from manager Pep Guardiola regarding the timeline for De Bruyne’s return. Guardiola noted that De Bruyne has shown improvement in training; however, he still experiences pain that prevents him from reaching the requisite level for competition. The management is further complicated by injuries to several other prominent players, including Ballon d'Or winner Rodri, who is out for the season. This injury crisis is exerting significant pressure on the squad, compelling Guardiola to reconsider player rotations as they prepare for upcoming matches, including a crucial Carabao Cup tie against Tottenham. The manager emphasized the necessity for players to recover quickly for the team to maintain its competitive edge. In light of the circumstances, Guardiola has expressed hope that De Bruyne may return after the international break, stressing the importance of having a full-strength squad to navigate the challenges of the current season.